Respond to GST Tax Notices – Expert Help for Compliance & Legal Reply
- We thoroughly examine your GST notice type (SCN, demand, scrutiny, etc.) to plan the best course of action.
- Our team prepares professional replies with accurate documentation within the legal deadline.
- Avoid penalties, prosecution, and loss of GST registration through expert assistance.
- From GSTR defaults to anti-profiteering inquiries, we handle notices under any form or section.
- We assist with hearings, audits, and appeals for seamless end-to-end resolution.
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Official Tax Authority Communications Explained
A GST Notice is a formal letter from tax authorities alerting you to compliance issues in your GST filings. Think of it as a "wake-up call" about mistakes in your tax paperwork that need fixing. Key Facts:
- Purpose: Highlights errors like unpaid taxes, late filings, or incorrect claims.
- Legal weight: Ignoring notices can lead to penalties, prosecution, or business shutdown.
- Urgency: Always has a deadline (typically 7-30 days) for response.
Know Which Notice You’ve Received
- Show Cause Notice (SCN):
- Why sent? Suspected tax fraud or major errors.
- Action needed: Submit written explanation.
- Demand Notice:
- Why sent? Unpaid GST detected.
- Action needed: Pay tax + interest within 30 days.
- Scrutiny Notice:
- Why sent? Mismatch in returns (e.g., GSTR-1 vs. GSTR-3B).
- Action needed: Provide transaction proofs.
- Audit Notice (ADT-01):
- Why sent? Your business is selected for tax audit.
- Action needed: Share financial records.
- Registration Cancellation Notice (REG-17):
- Why sent? Inactive GST number or non-filing.
- Action needed: File pending returns immediately.
- Refund Rejection Notice (RFD-08):
- Why sent? Errors in refund claims.
- Action needed: Correct application documents.
Avoid These 7 Costly Mistakes
You might get a notice if you:
- File returns late (e.g., GSTR-1/GSTR-3B overdue by 6+ months).
- Underreport sales (discrepancy between invoices and returns).
- Claim excess Input Tax Credit (ITC claimed > GSTR-2A shows).
- Export without compliance (shipping bills not matching GSTR-1).
- Don’t pass GST rate cuts to customers (profiteering).
- Operate without GST registration when required.
- Make errors in refund applications.
Real-life example: A ₹50 lakh ITC mismatch triggered a ₹9 lakh penalty for a Mumbai-based trader.
Valid Delivery Methods Under GST Law
Tax authorities can send notices only through:
- 📬 Registered post to your business address.
- ✉️ Email to your GST-registered email ID.
- 💻 GST Portal notification (log in to view).
- 📰 Newspaper ad (if other methods fail).
- 🚪 Physical notice pasted at your office.
⚠️ Important: Notices via WhatsApp/SMS are NOT legally valid.
How to Reply to a GST Notice
Follow these steps carefully:
- Don’t panic: Note the notice number and deadline.
- Understand the issue: Identify the section quoted (e.g., "Section 73 - Tax Demand").
- Gather evidence:
- Invoices/bank statements
- GST return copies
- Previous tax payments
- Draft your reply:
- Admit mistakes if any + propose solution
- Dispute errors with proof
- Submit on GST Portal:
- Use the prescribed form (e.g., ASMT-11 for scrutiny notices).
- Sign with Digital Signature (DSC) or EVC OTP.
- Follow up: Check portal for status updates.
Risks of Delayed Action
| Notice Type | Deadline | Penalty for Non-Reply |
|---|---|---|
| SCN (Tax Fraud) | 30 days | 100% tax + business shutdown |
| Return Non-Filing | 15 days | ₹10,000/month + tax assessment |
| ITC Mismatch | 30 days | Interest @18% + ITC reversal |
| Audit Notice | As specified | Presumed guilt + penalties |
Worst-case scenario: Tax authorities can freeze bank accounts or auction property.
Your GST Notice Shield - CA Vakeel
Our experts handle everything:
- Notice Analysis: Decode legal jargon into simple English.
- Evidence Building: Collect and organize supporting documents.
- Draft Professional Replies: CA-certified responses that prevent penalties.
- Portal Representation: File submissions and track progress.
- Long-term Compliance: Fix root issues to avoid future notices.
Why 1,200+ businesses trust us:
"We reduced a client’s ₹17 lakh penalty to ₹50,000 through proper notice response."
Your Top GST Notice Questions Answered
Q: Can I get jailed for GST notices? A: Only for intentional tax fraud (over ₹2.5 crore). Late filings attract fines only. Q: What if I missed the deadline? A: We can file a condonation application with late fee payment. Q: Do notices come for small errors? A: Usually for ₹10,000+ discrepancies. Minor errors often get auto-rectified. Q: How much do you charge? A: Starts at ₹2,499/notice (covers analysis, reply drafting, and submission).
Why Choose Us?
- 72-Hour Resolution: Average notice handling time.
- Penalty Prevention: 92% success rate in reducing fines.
- Dedicated Expert: Direct access to your GST lawyer.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Full refund if penalty isn’t reduced.
🛡️ Special Offer: First Notice Response at ₹1,999 (Save 20%). [Book Now]
Key Takeaways:
- GST Notices = Tax authority alerts about compliance errors.
- Always respond before the deadline (usually 7-30 days).
- Professional help prevents costly penalties and business disruption.
- Keep records of all invoices/returns for 6+ years.